February 4, 2016

“We Can” improve cancer control in Canada

Canadian Partnership Against Cancer joins global initiative to mark World Cancer Day

February 4, 2016 (Toronto) – Today, in events taking place around the world, cancer patients, survivors, caregivers, advocates, clinicians and others are celebrating World Cancer Day alongside the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer and the Union for International Cancer Control by exploring ways “we can” improve the cancer journey.

“The Canadian cancer control community is working toward three ambitious goals: a future in which fewer Canadians develop cancer, fewer die from it, and those affected by the disease have a better quality of life,” said Partnership CEO Shelly Jamieson. “Today is the chance to celebrate our shared progress.”

The Partnership will mark World Cancer Day with an event at the Bram and Bluma Appel Salon, looking at improving patient engagement within the cancer control community, featuring a panel that includes clinicians and patients.

Shared progress toward the Canadian Strategy on Cancer Control includes country-wide implementation of colorectal cancer screening programs to help identify polyps before they become cancer; the launch of the Canadian Partnership for Tomorrow, Canada’s largest population-health database, which can accelerate lifesaving research; and the first phase of a cross-Canada patient reported outcomes initiative, which helps cancer patients better manage their symptoms and feel more connected to their care.

Cancer represents one of humanity’s most pressing human and financial concerns. Around the world, more than eight million people are likely to succumb to cancer in 2016.

Under the campaign theme “We can. I can.” World Cancer Day represents a unique opportunity to draw attention to what can be done to reverse the impact of cancer and save lives. The “We” refers to what government, charities and business can do, while the “I” recognizes individual efforts – such as eating less red and preserved meat, exercising regularly and cutting tobacco and alcohol use – that can help prevent cancer.

“Preventing millions of unnecessary deaths from cancer is not outside of the world’s scientific or financial capabilities. It will however require collaborative action at both individual and collective levels – spearheaded by key social players,” said Dr. Cary Adams, Chief Executive Officer of the UICC, which helps the global health community accelerate the fight against cancer.

Today, on World Cancer Day 2016, orange and blue spotlights will light up landmarks around the globe, including the Empire State building. The CN Tower in Toronto will be lit in blue and orange on February 4, 2016 to recognize World Cancer Day.

We encourage people to join the global conversation online by writing a personal health pledge on their hand and posting a photo on social media using #WorldCancerDay #WeCanICan. Visit www.worldcancerday.org for more information on how the day is being marked in more than 117 countries.

The Canadian Partnership Against Cancer works with Canada’s cancer community to reduce the burden of cancer on Canadians. Grounded in and informed by the experiences of those affected by cancer, the organization works with partners to support multi-jurisdictional uptake of evidence that will help to optimize cancer control planning and drive improvements in quality of practice across Canada. Through sustained effort and a focus on the cancer continuum, the organization supports the work of the collective cancer community in achieving long-term population outcomes: reduced incidence of cancer, less likelihood of Canadians dying from cancer, and an enhanced quality of life of those affected by cancer.

About the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC)

UICC unites the cancer community to reduce the global cancer burden, to promote greater equity, and to integrate cancer control into the world health and development agenda. UICC is the largest cancer-fighting organization of its kind, with more than 900 member organizations across 155 countries representing the world’s major cancer societies, ministries of health, research institutes, treatment centres and patient groups.

About World Cancer Day 2016

World Cancer Day takes place every February 4. Coordinated by UICC, World Cancer Day is this year taking place under the tagline ‘We can. I can.’ and explores how everyone – as a collective or as individuals – can do their part to reduce the global burden of cancer. Just as cancer affects everyone in different ways, everyone has the power to take action to reduce the impact that cancer has. World Cancer Day is a chance to reflect on what you can do, make a pledge and take action.